Auto Care Connect 2026 Unveils Lineup of Keynote Speakers

The Auto Care Association has announced the complete lineup of keynote speakers set to present at the 2026 Auto Care Connect event, which will take place next month on May 11 through 14 in Atlanta, Georgia.

As shared in a press release, Colin O’Brady will close out the event’s keynotes on Wednesday, May 13, preceded by David Kwong earlier in the day, with Jay Baer kicking off the first keynote on Tuesday, May 12. 

Colin O’Brady

O’Brady is a 12-time world record holder, two-time Everest summiteer, Yale University graduate, and public speaker. In 2018, he became the first person in history to cross the landmass of Antarctica—solo, unsupported, and completely human-powered. The New York Times wrote O'Brady's Antarctic crossing “joined some of the most remarkable achievements in polar history.”

Guinness World Records called O’Brady’s 2019 world first human-powered ocean row across Drake Passage from South America to Antarctica, “...one of the most significant human-powered adventures ever undertaken...” O’Brady is an Executive Producer of The Impossible Row, and Survivalists, and is the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary.

David Kwong

Kwong is an acclaimed illusionist, New York Times crossword puzzle constructor, published author, and experienced keynote speaker. A Harvard University graduate, Kwong approaches illusion as “the science of fooling the brain,” helping audiences and organizations better understand perception, influence, and decision-making. His keynote presentations are designed to be both highly entertaining and deeply informative, often tailored for corporate messaging and team engagement.

He is also the author of “Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success,” which explores how principles of magic can be applied to influence, communication, and leadership. 

A four-time TED speaker with millions of combined views, Kwong is widely recognized for his viral talks exploring the intersection of psychology, creativity, and illusion. His acclaimed one-man show The Enigmatist has sold out in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., earning praise for its unique fusion of mentalism, puzzles, and theatrical storytelling.

Jay Baer

Baer is a globally recognized business growth and customer experience expert who brings more than three decades of experience helping organizations grow by improving how they serve and engage customers. Over the course of his career, he has advised more than 700 iconic global
brands, including Nike, Oracle, Salesforce, Bentley, and The United Nations on strategies to earn customer loyalty and drive sustainable growth.

A seventh-generation entrepreneur, Baer is the author of seven best-selling books focused on marketing and customer experience, and has founded five multimillion-dollar companies. He is an inductee in the Professional Speaking Hall of Fame and travels worldwide delivering practical, data-driven insights to business leaders across industries.